Tuesday, August 2, 2011

They gave me their hearts...

" A sunrise is a wondrous thing. And it's there every morn, just for the taking."

And so began my weekend of wonder.

They gave me a moon tree. I cried. After final dress rehearsal when they surprised me - and opened their hearts to me. And I cried opening night and closing. Two casts, two openings, two closing, a waterfall of tears. They gave me a moon tree. And I gave them caprese-on-a-stick.

And a lot of sweaty hugs. They put me on their set.

And with such an emotional week, I couldn't cook. I could spread Mostarda (various fruits preserved in a mustard syrup - also delectable with cheeses) on a pork loin and call it a day. Mostarda - sweet and spicy. If you could bottle my cast - they would be Mostarda. Light, color, fruity, a touch of bright,a touch of heat.

And when the temps soared to over 100 degrees F - I didn't bother with any heated food and ate my way through a loaf of bread spread with fresh ricotta and the same Mostarda.

I opened a cookbook last Sunday for inspiration. I cracked open some crab legs and added it to cioppino.

..came on stage after final dress. My wonderful (and manipulative) scene designer played the Beatles "In My Life" from the lighting booth. And with center stage lit, the students entered one by one and shared a memory they had of me and put gifts - all memories of past plays with me - by a moon tree. (A magical moon tree created by an eccentric girl from Belfast is a cornerstone of the play.) They gave me their hearts. I shall hold them with care.

Look at the tenderness these young students brought to this play.

David places a belonging of his brother Sam - who died in Vietnam- under the moon tree and finally begins the grieving process.

After the moon landing, David gives Madrigal his brother's dog tags - to be buried in the Giant's Causeway in Ireland - a place of giants and faeries from the days of wonder ... a place of eternity.

My Madrigals say good-bye after the final show.

But I won't say good-bye. Not to them. I have plans. Promises to keep.

I am inspired (and enchanted) by the pictures of your young cast...and by the idea of Mostarda -- I have read many descriptions but have never tried it myself. Thank you for sharing this part of your life with us. Theresa

What a fine finale, Claudia. You are an inspiration to your young charges, as is evident in your photos. I'm sure you are just beginning on a new path, and they will keep you close in their collective hearts as well. Moon tree for caprese-on-a-stick? Sounds like a fabulous exchange!

Oh Claudia - I'd have been crying buckets of joy too. What a wonderful thing you have done with these kids - and for someone so wrapped up in the play, I'd say you did plenty of cooking this week - Love the cioppino especially.

I don't think this could have went any better Bravo for a wonderful finale, a job well done, received and memories to last a life time.. your blessed as they are to have had the pleasure and honor to make.

Your play looks magical and your photos show how beautifully inspired your students were to act out your words. I'm sure you have made lasting impressions on them that will influence them all their lives. I can't think of a better way to spend 20 years than that! Here is to new beginnings, Claudia!

Enjoy Seattle! I've never been there so I'll look forward to your blog posts about what you find there when you get back.

Get a dungeness crab at Pike Place market, some bread from one of the bread shops, and a bottle of wine if you like, and then find a happy bench (check if the wine part is legal). We ate it the first time out of the back of our Datsun camper truck with our hands. It was wonderful, and never pales.

Thank you for sharing this amazing post. What a fabulous, and moving, experience for you. You'll obviously never forget those magical moments. It must be a bittersweet feeling to leave your program. All the best to you.

Thank you for sharing this amazing post. What a fabulous, and moving, experience for you. You'll obviously never forget those magical moments. It must be a bittersweet feeling to leave your program. All the best to you.

Kudos Claudia. These memories will be ingrained in the minds of these young children. I still remember mine even if it was more than 2 decades ago.If you are going to Seatle go to Molly's(Ornagette fame) Delancey. That's in my bucket list for Seatle. Have fun!

Dear Claudia, The pictures of the play look enchanting. I am sure that they are pleased and you are a happy. Nice that you incorporated delicious food with the play. Happy for you. Thanks for visiting. Blessings, Catherine xo

What a wonderful post. Full of such beautiful moments. Congratulations on working with such amazing kiddos. I know they are BLESSED to know you. And thank you for sharing another inspired eat. I hope you have a great weekend, my friend. I'm looking forward to relaxing and baking! Much love from Austin.

Congratulations on a successful play! All the food you made looks terrific! I adore mostarda, I just made one last week for a recipe development project to go with a foie gras and duck sausage, but then I ate leftovers with just about everything - it's so versatile!

Good to be back and seeing your wonderful blog. I felt your emotion and joy. Thanks for sharing it.I have been to Portland. Such a beautiful area of the country., but rainy. Hope the trip went well and you had some sunshine.

Mmm - those little caprese sticks look absolutely DELICIOUS, especially for a nice outdoor picnic while we can still enjoy the Summer. They look pretty easy, too - I think I'll give them a try! Thanks :)

awww Claudia! That must be so difficult to do.... you have surely inspired so many of those beautiful children over the years. Another door will open and you will have just as much love to give! - Megan